Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, mourning was a profound expression of grief and sorrow, often marked by specific customs and practices. One such practice was the laying aside of ornaments, which symbolized humility, repentance, and a turning away from worldly adornments in times of distress or divine judgment.The practice of removing ornaments during mourning is notably illustrated in the account of the Israelites at Mount Sinai. After the incident of the golden calf, God commanded the Israelites to remove their ornaments as a sign of repentance and mourning for their sin. In Exodus 33:4-6 , it is recorded: "When the people heard these bad tidings, they went into mourning, and no one put on any ornaments. For the LORD had said to Moses, 'Tell the Israelites, "You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments, and I will decide what to do with you."' So the Israelites stripped themselves of their ornaments from Mount Horeb onward." This act of removing ornaments was not merely a cultural expression but held deep spiritual significance. It represented a stripping away of pride and self-reliance, acknowledging the need for God's mercy and guidance. The Israelites' obedience in laying aside their ornaments was a physical manifestation of their inner contrition and desire to restore their relationship with God. The laying aside of ornaments during mourning can also be seen as a broader biblical principle of humility and repentance. In times of personal or communal grief, the focus shifts from external appearances to the condition of the heart. This is echoed in the teachings of the prophets, who often called the people to rend their hearts and not their garments (Joel 2:13), emphasizing genuine repentance over mere outward displays. Furthermore, the New Testament continues this theme by encouraging believers to adorn themselves with virtues rather than external decorations. In 1 Peter 3:3-4 , Peter advises, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." In summary, the biblical practice of laying aside ornaments during mourning serves as a powerful symbol of humility, repentance, and a turning away from worldly distractions to seek God's presence and favor. It underscores the importance of inner transformation and the prioritization of spiritual over material values in times of sorrow and reflection. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 33:4,6And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. Nave's Topical Index Library On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings ... Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount A Message from God for Thee Pagan Shrines and Temples. "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ... Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Church Fabrics and Services. Against Jovinianus. A Discourse Resources Who was Tammuz? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Job repented in dust and ashes? | GotQuestions.org What does “blessed are those who mourn” mean? | GotQuestions.org Mourning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mourning for Calamities and Other Sorrows: Ripping the Garments Mourning for Nadab and Abihu Forbidden Mourning for the Dead: Cutting the Flesh Mourning for the Dead: Fasting Mourning for the Dead: Head Uncovered Mourning for the Dead: Lamentations Mourning for the Dead: Lying on the Ground Mourning for the Dead: Personal Appearance Neglected Mourning: Abraham Mourned for Sarah Mourning: Ashes Put on the Head Mourning: Caused Ceremonial Defilement Mourning: Covering: The Head and the Face Mourning: Covering: The Upper Lip Mourning: Cutting or Plucking off the Hair and Beard Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Abner Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Absalom Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Saul and his Sons Mourning: Jeremiah and the Singing Men and Singing Women Lament for Josiah Mourning: Laying Aside Ornaments Mourning: Laying the Hand on the Head Mourning: Prevented offerings from Being Accepted Mourning: Priests Prohibited, Except for the Nearest of Kin Mourning: Sitting on the Ground Mourning: The Egyptians Mourned for Jacob for Seventy Days Mourning: The Israelites Mourned for Aaron for Thirty Days Mourning: Wearing Mourning Clothes Related Terms Mourning-feast (2 Occurrences) |
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